Who wins? Both of these guys were dangerous hard hitting punchers who, despite being highly ranked at one time or another, never recieved a title shot. This due them them both losing the fight that would have given them one (Ruddock lost to Lewis, and Valdes lost to Archie Moore) I'd make Valdes the favorite here. His edge in skill and his good jab I think would be able to enable him to rack up more points and win by UD. Both win are likely to hit the canvas here though and it would be a fight.
Yes Valdez had the edge in class. His chin was fine in his prime as well. I too see Valdez building up a comfortable lead whilst fighting with caution as to avoid the Smash. Valdez WU15 (10-5)
I can see this one go either way. Valdes has a great win over Charles, but other than, he had to ship plenty of losses as well. Ruddock doesn't have a win that is as good as that, although he does have a few good wins and fewer losses. I've never seen Valdes on film though, so that makes it hard to pick a winner for me.
Chris try to checkout Valdez vs Hurricane jackson 1954, valdez was trim and at his peak that fight. not hard to get on film. you will be fairly impressed, and if not by valdez talent level, at least by the 2 non stop action rounds!!
Valdez vs Ruddock is one of best dream matches ive heard in a while! some great responses so far. If we compare, both were standup sluggers who came forward looking to take you out, both used there size and power to attempt to intimidate and bull opponents around(ruddock more so). This is a gauranteed war! Valdez had the big edge in jab, valdez loved to sit back on the outside and tear his opponents face off with his long sharp left jab. Both hit very hard with either hand, but I think Ruddock had the slight edge in power, as when ruddock hit you with one shot he cripped you no matter how durable you are. Both are very underated body punchers. Edge in skill is even, Ruddock back in his prime was a talented boxer as valdez has clearly demonstrated himself to be on film, both were talented fighters who were far from one dimensional sluggers. Ruddock has the edge in size, valdez was around 210lb in his prime, while ruddock scaled a solid 235lb.... 25lb heavier. I think this could play a small factor. Durability, I think its even, both took some hellacious shots on film vs top punchers of there era, while knockout losses.....valdez was blown out by liston while ruddock was blown out by lennox. style wise, Ruddock seemed to deal with pressure alot better than valdez who sometimes folded up and broke mentally. Ruddock on the other hand, did quit on a asmtha attack in a fight he was clearl dominating vs glass jaw hard working dave jaco. I think accomplishments, valdez achieved a little more, while ruddock suddenly dissapeared out of the picture after losing to lennox at the top of his game. In a head 2 head match, We are going to see both fighters coming out aggresive, with valdez connecting the jab very often and hard exhanges will be done close quarters with both fighters being floored. Valdez would be better off sitting back a bit using his jab and utilizing his skills and body attack breaking ruddock down, but valdez loved to brawl and it will cost him against ruddock because he was bigger and heavier hitter. I see ruddock winning the war in the trenches and catching valdez somewhere in the 5th round and finishing him off, in a exciting fight where both fighters were down. Valdez ahead on points at the time of the stoppage.
If a boxing match broke out, its anyone's game. Valdes might have been slightly more skilled at his best, but Nino wasn't very tough, and had issues with agressive power hitters. I would favor Ruddock here. Razzor could hit a ton, and had a sturdy chin.
